🛡️ netzmeldung.com
DE
Risk: Elevated

Bargain bikes online? Beware of fake shops!

Category: Fake shops · Published: 25/08/2026 · Last updated: 26/08/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case, reported by Watchlist Internet. For details, see the linked source.
Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.
How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this type of fraud. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • Fraudsters set up a professional-looking shop website around the topic of bicycles and e-bikes (example: ebikeprofi24.de).
  • The offers are advertised via search engines or social media at particularly low prices.
  • Interested parties select a bike and place an order in the shop.
  • During the checkout process, various payment methods are displayed – but in reality only prepayment by bank transfer actually works.
  • After the transfer, the money is collected by the fraudsters.
  • The promised goods are not delivered; the supposed shop disappears or no longer responds to inquiries.

How to recognise it

  • Prices significantly below market level – the offered bicycles are around 15% cheaper than from reputable sellers (e.g., a model for 910 euros instead of 1,199 euros).
  • The stated company does not exist – in this specific case, 'Ebikeprofi24 GmbH' cannot be found.
  • The company details given in the legal notice do not withstand verification.
  • The website advertises various payment methods, but in the end only a transfer to a bank account remains.
  • Bait offers for a large selection of city bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes at conspicuously low prices.
  • Prepayment only as payment method
  • Unrealistically low prices on branded goods
  • Missing or incorrect legal notice (Impressum)

How to protect yourself

  • Before buying, compare prices, for example on idealo.at or geizhals.at – if an offer is unrealistically cheap, caution is advised.
  • Carefully check the legal notice and stated company details (e.g., in the commercial register or by searching for the company name).
  • If in the end only prepayment by bank transfer is available: do not order from there.
  • If a transfer has already been made, inform the bank immediately and ask whether the payment can still be stopped or recalled.
  • Secure and keep the order confirmation, payment receipt, emails and screenshots of the website.
  • File a report with the police and additionally contact the consumer advice centre.

What you should never do

  • Do not fall for a supposed bargain just because the price seems particularly tempting.
  • Do not pay by prepayment/bank transfer if other payment methods are advertised but not functional.
  • Do not neglect to preserve evidence – keep all documents related to the order.
  • Do not simply send more money if the shop subsequently demands additional payments.
  • Do not try to get the money back on your own – instead, contact the bank and police.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay if I have already ordered?

You should under no circumstances pay an alleged invoice without checking it. First check whether the shop is reputable (does the company exist? Is only prepayment possible?), and if in doubt contact your bank or the consumer advice centre.

What happens if I do not respond?

If you have already made a transfer, nothing further happens for the moment – but your money is usually gone. Respond immediately anyway: inform the bank, secure evidence and file a report with the police.

Where did the fraudsters get my data?

This often cannot be determined precisely. Data may originate from old data leaks, be collected via advertising on the internet, or be passed on from other sources.

How do I recognise a fake shop?

Look out for missing or incorrect company details, unrealistically low prices, and the fact that in the end only prepayment is possible. Comparing prices on comparison sites helps identify bait offers.

Can I get my money back?

For transfers that have already been executed, the chances of a refund are unfortunately low. Still, inform the bank immediately – sometimes the payment can still be stopped or reversed.

Affected data

Scam type
Fake-Shop

Comments

No comments yet. Registered users can share their experiences.

Related warnings

Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 26/08/2026Description updated
  • 25/08/2026Warning added from an official source